10 matches that could decide the Premier League title

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MARCH 19: Yaya Toure of Manchester City (L) and Fernandinho of Manchester City (R) battle for possession with Adam Lallana of Liverpool (C) during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool at Etihad Stadium on March 19, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

9. Liverpool vs. Manchester City, Saturday, Jan. 13

City and Liverpool’s 1-1 draw in March was the best match of last season. No other game offered the free-flowing quality both sides produced at the Etihad Stadium.

The thrilling stalemate was a testament to the progressive tactics of managers Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp. The latter has made the Reds a joy to watch thanks to his belief in high pressing, positional rotations and stocking his squad with a platoon of creative midfielders.

Guardiola preaches the same things, even if his style is more possession-based than Klopp’s. Even so, the City chief also loads up on playmakers.

This fixture will be a pass-master’s dream, with David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and new boy Bernardo Silva pulling the strings for the Citizens. Meanwhile, Adam Lallana, Georginio Wijnaludm and (hopefully) Philippe Coutinho will weave patterns for Liverpool.

In an era where tactics have become increasingly pragmatic, the Premier League needs a daring, attacking team to win the title. This match will give a good indication about which one of Liverpool or City are best-placed to keep the beautiful game alive.

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